twins/mlb
La Velle E. Neal III has covered baseball for the Star Tribune since 1998 (the post-Knoblauch era). Born and raised in Chicago, he grew up following the White Sox and hating the Cubs. He attended both the University of Illinois and Illinois-Chicago and began his baseball writing career at the Kansas City Star. He can be heard occasionally on KFAN radio, lending his great baseball mind to Paul Allen and other hosts. Mark Rosen borrows him occasionally for WCCO-TV.
Francisco Liriano takes his talents to Pittsburgh
Posted by: La Velle E. Neal III Updated: December 21, 2012 - 9:23 AM
The Francisco Liriano era is officially over in Minnesota. The lefthander has agreed to a two year, $14 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to a source. The deal will be finalized once Liriano passes a physical.
Liriano was one of three pitchers the Twins received in exchange for catcher A.J. Pierzynski in 2003. Liriano reached the majors in 2005. but it was 2006 when he electrified Twins fans with a 12-3, 2.16 season. That season was cut short by a torn elbow ligament and, while he seemed to regain almost all his stuff from that injury, he couldn't become a top pitcher.
(What if moment: What if Liriano could have pitched in the postseason that year with Johan Santana?)
Liriano was 3-10 last season with a 5.31 ERA before being traded to the White Sox. The Twins discussed re-signing Liriano a few weeks ago but talks stalled.
The Twins have moved on, signing Kevin Correia and Mike Pelfrey. They are interested in Joe Saunders and Rich Harden, but I've heard that a couple other teams have stepped up their pursuit of Saunders. Stay tuned.
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- Pregame: Mauer back at DH; Morneau bats 3rd
- Three baseball observations
- Mastroianni won't return to Twins until July at earliest
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